Network Engineer

PURPOSE

The Network Engineer designs, implements, and optimizes Aurora Organic Dairy's (AOD) enterprise network infrastructure. This position bridges the gap between the Network Architect and Network Administrator by transforming high-level designs into operational deployments. The Network Engineer ensures that all network systems, including Fortinet, Cisco, and related technologies, operate securely, efficiently, and consistently across all sites in support of AOD's growth and business continuity goals.

2. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement Network Architect designs across Fortinet, Cisco, and other networking platforms, ensuring consistency with enterprise standards.
• Configure and manage Fortinet FortiGate firewalls, FortiSwitches, FortiAPs, and FortiManager environments including VLANs, VPNs, and access control.
• Deploy and maintain high-availability and failover systems ensuring network resilience and minimal downtime.
• Collaborate with Network Architect on topology optimization, redundancy planning, and capacity management.
• Perform proactive monitoring, tuning, and troubleshooting of WAN/LAN/WLAN and VPN performance.
• Participate in network security management, including firewall policy audits, zero-day remediation, and vulnerability mitigation.
• Document configurations, standards, and procedures for consistent operations and disaster recovery.
• Assist the Network Administrator with escalated incidents and provide mentorship to improve Tier 1/2 network understanding.
• Support IT Operations projects such as network modernization, plant connectivity upgrades, and IoT security segmentation.
• Participate in on-call rotation and after-hours work for maintenance or emergency repairs.

3. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain current knowledge of Fortinet, Cisco, and emerging networking technologies.
• Contribute to IT Operations documentation and network asset tracking.
• Participate in audits, vendor reviews, and cross-site network performance assessments.
• Other duties as assigned.

4. COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS

• Analysis and Troubleshooting
• Initiative and Accountability
• Collaboration and Communication
• Network Security Awareness
• Planning and Prioritization
• Documentation and Process Discipline
• Continuous Learning and Adaptability

5. KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5-7 years of hands-on enterprise networking experience.
• Certifications preferred: Fortinet NSE 4-5, Cisco CCNP, or equivalent.
• Proven experience with Fortinet, including but not limited to FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, and FortiManager configuration and support.
• Working knowledge of network monitoring tools, VPNs, QoS, VLANs, and routing protocols (BGP, OSPF).
• Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting complex network and performance issues across multiple sites.
• Experience with network automation and scripting (Python, PowerShell, Ansible) preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel occasionally between AOD sites.

6. AVAILABILITY / RESPONSE EXPECTATIONS


Due to the operational and cybersecurity criticality of IT Operations, employees in this role may be assigned to a formal on-call rotation. When scheduled as the on-call resource, employees must:
• Maintain access to email, phone, and text messaging to receive incident notifications
• Acknowledge and triage incidents within response times defined in the After-Hours IT Coverage Procedure
• Escalate unresolved incidents per established procedures

After-hours on-call coverage is scheduled in advance. Response expectations apply only during assigned on-call periods.

7. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to lift 50 lbs., crawl under desks, climb ladders, and work in production and farm environments. Regular standing, walking, bending, and sitting for long periods. Occasional travel to remote facilities by car or air.